MU | News
MU honors faculty for teaching , service , scholarship
North Manchester
Outstanding Scholar – Tim McKenna- Buchanan , assistant professor of communication studies McKenna-Buchanan has published widely since his arrival at Manchester in 2014 and has won several awards for his research . He also successfully collaborates with MU colleagues and his co-authored works find homes in academic journals , trade publications and popular press books . His courses include explorations of public relations , organizational communication , and ethics and freedom of speech .
Teacher of the Year – Kristen Short , assistant professor of biology Short re-envisions teaching methods and deftly melds research and teaching . In the Biology Department , she has pioneered a flipped format in which classroom time is dedicated to discussion and integration rather than lecture . She also incorporates group learning into this format , encouraging balanced participation among students of different backgrounds and abilities . Short embraces student evaluations of her classes to improve and often receives the department ’ s highest ratings .
Excellence in Service – Benson Onyeji , professor of political science Onyeji demonstrates relentless and professional dedication to his students , taking them to participate in the Model UN at Harvard University . He is particularly dedicated to our international students and traveled to Nigeria and Ethiopia to visit the grieving families of three students MU lost in a February 2016 accident . In many quiet and unassuming ways , Onyeji is a model ambassador of Manchester to the world .
Fort Wayne
Scholar of the Year and Outstanding Service Award — Robert Beckett , director of the Drug Information Center Beckett has established himself as a drug information expert through his work in peer-reviewed publications , including four in the 2015-16 academic year . Through the Drug Information Center , he guides students through their inquiry and formally and informally collaborates in their scholarship . He is chair-elect for the Library and Information Science Special Interest Group of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy . He also is the District 3 representative of the Indiana Pharmacists Alliance Board of Directors and helps grow name recognition for Manchester University .
Teacher of the Year – Venkatareddy Nadithe , assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences Nadithe is skilled at guiding student learning with questions and applies techniques that are clear and easy to understand . His objectives are attainable and easy to measure . He is readily accessible to help students and demonstrates a deep concern for their learning . He is a skilled motivator and does all that he can to help his students succeed .
Teacher of the Year — Trent Towne , associate professor of pharmacy practice Towne is an enthusiastic and energetic teacher who listens carefully to his students and provides the support they need . His homework assignments align closely with his exams and he provides time for students to analyze questions . He also uses group activities in his classes to help students better understand the material .
Teacher of the Year — Andrea Wilhite , assistant professor of pharmacy practice Wilhite provides whole-person mentoring to students in formal and informal ways . She listens , provides valuable career guidance , and encourages students when they struggle . Her “ flipped ” classroom leads to active learningcentered instruction that is highly engaging , and well organized and managed .
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